Eddie Harris: Exodus
Musicians:
Eddie Harris (tenor sax),
Joseph Diorio (guitar), Willie Pickens (piano), William Yancy (bass), Harold Jones (drums)
.Composed by Ernest Gold
.Recorded: Chicago, January 17, 1961
Rating: 75/100 (learn more)
3400 years after Moses led the Israelites out of bondage, Leon Uris's novel Exodus (1958), about modern Israel's founding, became a runaway bestseller and basis for a Hollywood epic. The movie in turn opened a promised land to the lowliest slaves—namely, musicians. Dual pianists Ferrante & Teicher's overwrought theme cover was 1961's top-selling single, and Ernest Gold's soundtrack tied for bestselling album. Even jazzman Eddie Harris scored a Top 50 single and Top 10 album. Recalling Stan Getz circa 1950 except for a freakish falsetto (clarinet-like upper register), Harris's effete, straggling "Exodus" makes one wish the Red Sea of opportunism had closed sooner.
Reviewer: Alan Kurtz
Tags: jazz hit singles · soundtrack covers
Comments are closed.